Effects and mechanism of Xin Mai Jia in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Xin Mai Jia (XMJ) on atherosclerosis (AS) in rabbits and to explore the underlying mechanisms in order to provide experimental evidence for the clinical application of XMJ. An intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3, combined with a high-fat diet and sacculus injury, was utilized to establish the AS rabbit model. Following the oral administration of lovastatin, Zhibituo and different dosages of XMJ, respectively, blood was drawn from each rabbit for the detection of blood rheological indicators, such as serum lipids. The pathological changes in the right common carotid artery were observed. Vascular function experiments and the expression detection of common carotid artery-related proteins by immunohistochemistry were conducted. XMJ was observed to decrease the blood lipid levels of the AS rabbits; increase the concentration of high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A; decrease blood viscosity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and hematocrit; elevate the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and Na